Camping on my own land in the Catskills? (New York, Delhi: mobile home, living)

[Shankapotomus]

Hi,

I'm trying to find information on two things about private land in the Catskills area.

1. What are the regulations regarding camping on your own undeveloped land in the catskills area without an RV? Basically, I am wondering how long a stay is allowed by law before it is considered something other than camping but , basically, living on the land?

2. Can I build a 12 x 12 greenhouse (structure for housing plants) on my own land without a permit?

I tried the NY DEPT of Conservation website but they basically deal with management and proper use of state lands.

I would like to know what I can do on my own property in the catskills.

I don't own any property in the area yet so a general answer is fine.

Any help would be great.
Thanks.

[TDNY]

Zoning is done by municipalities, so contact them.

[ABQConvict]

I would be absolutely gob-smacked to find out that you would get in trouble for sleeping in a tent on your own land in the Catskills (or virtually anywhere else in NYS).

[BigD_JT_14221]

Originally Posted by Shankapotomus

Hi,

I'm trying to find information on two things about private land in the Catskills area.

1. What are the regulations regarding camping on your own undeveloped land in the catskills area without an RV? Basically, I am wondering how long a stay is allowed by law before it is considered something other than camping but , basically, living on the land?

2. Can I build a 12 x 12 greenhouse (structure for housing plants) on my own land without a permit?

I tried the NY DEPT of Conservation website but they basically deal with management and proper use of state lands.

I would like to know what I can do on my own property in the catskills.

I don't own any property in the area yet so a general answer is fine.

Any help would be great.
Thanks.

Shank,
for your #1 question, Since an RV is not a permanent structure and it can be moved, there would be no time limit unless you rendered it a permanent structure, i.e. removed wheels, installed onto a foundation, etc. If you keep it looking nice you will be less likely to be hassled or have someone make a complaint.
For your #2 question, you would want to check with the city/town/village on building codes. Not sure how a greenhouse would be treated, since it's not a dwelling. That said, people tend to mind their own business more in the sticks, so chances are you probably wouldn't be questioned on it unless you have some kind of illegal drug-growing operation in said greenhouse. If you have acreage, try to locate the structures out of view from the road.

[Shankapotomus]

Sounds hopeful everybody. I think, though, a greenhouse would be treated as a permanent structure and so would require a permit.....Thanks...

[honeychrome]

Just call the county code enforcement officer (in Del. Co. I believe it is Dale Downin in Delhi) and ask about the permitting for a greenhouse. If you're outside of a village, town, etc. I doubt you'll need a permit. I'd recommend that you don't start with a 'permanent' greenhouse anyway- do something temporary for a few years so you get a feel for the land. You may find out that where you first thought was the ideal/logical spot isn't.

[Roland 544]

Your land, greenhouse is not a house, its a shed, go ahead and dont worry.

[Walter Greenspan]

Originally Posted by honeychrome

If you're outside of a village, town ...

If you're outside of a town, then you're either in a city or on an Indian reservation.

I think you meant hamlet, not town.

NYS Geographic Glossary may be of some help to you in understanding the geography of New York.

[laidbackhippie]

Originally Posted by Roland 544

Your land, greenhouse is not a house, its a shed, go ahead and dont worry.

permanent structure -permit

temporary structure - no permit

[Shankapotomus]

Originally Posted by laidbackhippie

permanent structure -permit

temporary structure - no permit

would that go for ulster county too? i've seen some local ordinances against mobile homes. does a non permanent structure always qualify as a "mobile home"?